Nigerian democracy under threat, says Obidient Movement leader

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has challenged young Africans to take ownership of the continent’s future by dismantling corruption and investing in people.
 
Having evaluated the brand of politics being played in Nigeria, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, said the future of the country’s democracy is hanging in the balance.
 
Speaking at the Enugu Meet and Greet event, Tanko raised urgent concerns over the erosion of democratic principles in the country, accusing the government of undermining key democratic institutions and processes.
 
Obi, while speaking on the theme, ‘The Making of Africa’s Future Presidents’, at the University of Cambridge’s ‘African Together’ conference, urged the next generation to embrace leadership built on competence, compassion, and character. He drew lessons from nations like China, India and Vietnam, showing how strategic investments in education, health, and poverty reduction can drive transformation.
 
“You are the future presidents of Africa. But before that future can be realised, we must dismantle corruption and rascality in governance,” Obi said, drawing loud applause. “We must rebuild our nation on the pillars of competence, compassion and character.”
 
Drawing from his political experience and global development models, Obi referenced countries like China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam, which turned poverty into progress through visionary leadership and people-centred investments.
 
“If we invest in education, health and lifting people out of poverty, the multiplier effect will be immeasurable. Development is not a mystery; it is a decision,” he declared.
 
Organised by the African Society at Cambridge, the conference drew participants from across the continent and the Diaspora, united in a shared commitment to reimagining African leadership.
 
In closing, Obi challenged the youths not to sit on the sidelines of governance, adding: “We must all get involved. We must insist on leaders with integrity. That is how a new Nigeria and a new Africa will emerge. A new Nigeria is Possible.”
 
Tanko’s speech, entitled ‘Government Undermining Democracy in Nigeria’, highlighted a series of recent events that shook public confidence in the country’s governance.

He pointed to the controversial national elections, where allegations of irregularities sparked widespread doubts about their fairness. Tanko warned that when the election process is called to question, the foundation of democracy itself is at risk.
 
The Obidient Movement leader also voiced concerns over the increasing politicisation of critical state institutions, including the judiciary, security agencies and the legislature. 
 
“These institutions must operate without political interference to ensure the rule of law and protect citizens’ rights,” Tanko said, noting that the growing perception that many of these bodies were no longer impartial, and their credibility was increasingly compromised.
 
Tanko stressed that the suppression of free speech and the restriction of public protests were further signs of the government’s disdain for democratic norms. 
 
He argued that a “healthy democracy requires space for dissent” and the free exchange of ideas. “When the government shuts down the voices of the people, we are left with a hollow democracy,” he added.
 
Drawing attention to the controversial events in Rivers State and Lagos, Tanko criticised the government’s disregard for constitutional processes. He questioned the independence of the judiciary, citing instances where court rulings seemed to align with the interests of the Federal Government rather than upholding the constitution. “The judiciary is no longer the last hope of the common man,” Tanko lamented.